Skip to content

Life Quote by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings

“Perhaps all men were moved against their will. A man ordered his life, and then an obscurity of circumstance sent him down a road that was not of his own desire or choosing. Something beyond a man’s immediate choice and will reached through the earth and stirred him. He did not see how any man…” quote by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
Download Open image
““Perhaps all men were moved against their will. A man ordered his life, and then an obscurity of circumstance sent him down a road that was not of his own desire or choosing. Something beyond a man’s immediate choice and will reached through the earth and stirred him. He did not see how any man might escape it.””

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Yearling, 1938

Life can feel predetermined by forces beyond our control, making personal agency seem limited and destiny inevitable.

In simple terms: Fate can dominate life, limiting choice.

Key Takeaway

Recognize external influences while seeking agency.

Themes

fate determinism agency existential life journey

Mood

reflective somber thoughtful

Type

literary philosophical existential

When to use this quote

  • career decisions
  • health crises
  • social expectations
  • unexpected life events

Key Concepts

destiny circumstance human will philosophical determinism

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can we change our path despite circumstances?
  • What role does personal choice play in destiny?
A Different Perspective

It may overemphasize helplessness, ignoring human resilience.

4.1 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings

Explore all 88 Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings quotes

More Life quotes

Browse all 265,290 Life quotes